Portrayal of Delta-8 Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) on YouTube.
Substance use & misuse January 1, 2025 Sofia E Olsson, Vishaldeep K Sekhon, Cassidy R Loparco et al.
After the 2018 U.S. farm bill, retailers sold intoxicating Delta-8 THC products as legal hemp. A qualitative analysis of 47 YouTube videos posted in 2022 identified four themes: reasons to use, how to use, effects, and safety/harm reduction. Creators promoted Delta-8 for its claimed federal legality, easy access, and a milder, euphoric high than traditional cannabis. Product quality varied by purchase location, with online sources preferred over gas stations. Few videos were age-restricted. The findings suggest a need for media campaigns to correct misinformation and for prevention efforts.